Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 December 12

Odin's two letters of the 18th and 26th ult. have been received. The suggestions Odin sent concerning the Council of Trent ought to be put within the reach of all the clergy. They are a most necessary portion of the knowledge of a missionary in these parts. A part of them were sent by Archbishop Anthony Blanc but the letter declaring that the law is not in force where there is no resident priest was unknown to Elder before. He has written to the Redemptorists about the missions. He does not know much of the Fenians unless they be near relatives of the Faineants. He asked Bishop James Duggan about this and got no answer. The chair and kneeling bench have been received. Has Odin heard from Philip Rotchford? If any of Odin's priests should find ladies of religious vocation, Elder would be glad to have them turn their attention to the Sisters of Mercy at Vicksburgh. They are an excellent community with a most admirable Mother Superior. Mr. Grant told Elder of Odin's kind interest. :: VI-2-h A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.